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‘Maureen’s Musings’
The Vicar’s monthly letter for the Parish News
December 2017
As I write this, Christmas is still a distant spot on the horizon – but one that is approaching with
(it seems!) break-neck speed.
Planning is well under way for all our special Christmas Services.
The Christmas Card and our outreach leaflet is at the printers.
The choir are searching out arrangements of Christmas Carols and we have booked our Carol Singing evenings at both the Dartmouth Arms (Tuesday 12th) and the Pigot Inn (Wednesday 13th) – come along and join in and help us collect on behalf of the Children’s Society.
Oranges are being ordered for the Christingle, and invitations have been issued for our Blue Christmas service on 21st December.
And I have tried to think what happens when we all collapse in a ruck after Christmas Day – because of course it isn’t over then (whatever the shops would have you believe). In fact, it is only just starting.
But it is sensible to realise that energies can only be stretched so far, and we all will need some time for rest and relaxation following the Big Day! So please bear with me that our Wednesday morning service on December 27th will be cancelled and that on Sunday 31st December – the first Sunday of Christmas, there will be just ONE service in Pattingham that day, at 10am. – A family Communion.
One rather special Christmas treat will be another stupendous light and music show being staged on the Cathedral in Lichfield. “Star of Wonder, Star of Light”. Those who saw it last year were mightily impressed and I am sure it will be even better this year. So if you can get to Lichfield one evening between Monday 18 and Saturday 23 December (excluding 21 December) why not see if you can get a ticket? Available on line or from the Cathedral Bookshop.
Christmas is above all a time of hope – and of faith in the future – even when that future seems uncertain. We live in a world where uncertainty seems to be the prevailing condition, but Christians take heart from the knowledge that God chose to come among us himself – to share our existence with all its uncertainties and problems. And whatever our worries or concerns, it is hard not to smile at the vision of the child in the manger with Shepherds and Wise Men, Ox and Ass (and as I once memorably encountered in another parish – Bob the Builder completing the scene in the stable!). So may your December enable you to make the most of the Festive Season; to prepare for and enjoy the very best of Christmas – and not to leave you too exhausted as we approach the challenges and opportunities of the New Year!
A Very Merry Christmas to you all!
Every blessing
Maureen